Squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid: outcome of treatment in 16 patients

Citation
Am. Cook et al., Squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid: outcome of treatment in 16 patients, EUR J SUR O, 25(6), 1999, pp. 606-609
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Oncology
Journal title
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
ISSN journal
07487983 → ACNP
Volume
25
Issue
6
Year of publication
1999
Pages
606 - 609
Database
ISI
SICI code
0748-7983(199912)25:6<606:SCCOTT>2.0.ZU;2-2
Abstract
Aims and Methods: Squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid is very rare and h as a poor prognosis. Treatment and outcome were retrospectively analysed in a consecutive series of 16 patients treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital, with the aim of establishing guidelines for management. Results: Twelve of the 16 patients had locoregional disease only at present ation and four had distant metastases. Eight of the 16 underwent surgery an d four were given post-operative radiotherapy. Radiotherapy alone was used in six patients unsuitable for surgery. Median survival was 16 months. There were three long-term survivors; each h ad localized disease treated with surgery and post-operative radiotherapy. Patients treated with surgery alone all developed local recurrence. Two of six patients treated with radiotherapy alone had a partial response but all subsequently developed progressive local disease. Chemotherapy was used in two patients with no response. Conclusions: Long-term survival is possible if disease is diagnosed early a nd is completely resected. Surgery should be followed by radical dose radio therapy.